The Varanasi Municipal Corporation plans to fine people up to Rs 500 for each paan spit and Rs 100 for littering public space with mahua/leaf wrappers – the triangular sheaths in which the well liked chewy mixture is sold.

The love for paan of the people in Varanasi, that inspired the track ‘Khaike paan banaraswala, khul jaaye band akal ka taala’, leaves reddish stains on walls and roads that millions in this holy city by the Ganga have spat out mindlessly.

As reported by Hindustan Times, the move is a part of a mission to clean out the spit and litter that smudges the city that PM Modi represents in Parliament. However, more penalties are lined up for offences like people defecating in the open and urinating along roads.

“There is no ban on chewing Banarasi paan. But people must enjoy it responsibly without spitting and throwing the wrappers in public places,” said the Municipal Commissioner Nitin Bansal.

Banarasi Paan is as ancient as its place of origin, the world’s oldest living city. Shops selling paan are a dime a dozen along roads, bylanes and Banaras’ famous ghats.

The initiative which the Municipal Corporation of Varanasi are planning to take is a good move towards clean Banaras and clean India.

The Logical Indian community applauds the move taken by the municipal corporation of Varanasi. The fine will stop people from spitting on public places and we hope that more such initiatives are taken by cities across the country.